Year End IRA Checklist: 5 Things to Do Before December 31

Dec 1, 2025 | Blog, Retirement Accounts

As the year comes to a close, most people are focused on holiday plans, travel, and wrapping up work. Retirement accounts are not always top of mind, but year end is one of the most important checkpoints for IRA owners. A quick review now can help you avoid errors,...

Have You Used Up Your 2025 FSA Funds?

Nov 25, 2025 | Blog, Tax Bites

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer to help pay for health or dependent care expenses, now’s a good time to check your balance. FSAs save taxes, but they generally require you to incur expenses to use the funds by year end or forfeit...

What Every IRA Investor Should Review Before Year End (Even If You’re Not Making Any Changes)

Nov 23, 2025 | Blog, Retirement Accounts

As the calendar gets ready to flip into December, most investors are thinking about holiday travel, family plans, and wrapping up the year. Retirement accounts don’t usually make the list — but they should. Even if you’re not planning to make a contribution, execute a...

2026 Retirement Contribution Limits: What Investors Need to Know

Nov 22, 2025 | Blog, Contributions, IRS News & Updates

Updated November 2025, based on IRS Notice 2025-67 (IR-2025-111) The IRS has released the official 2026 cost-of-living adjustments for retirement plans – and this year brings meaningful increases across IRAs, employer plans, SIMPLE accounts, and key income phaseouts....

2025 November Strategy Group Recap

Nov 18, 2025 | Blog, IRS News & Updates, Strategy Group Recaps, Tax Bites

Our November Strategy Group call covered a wide range of important tax and retirement planning updates for 2026 and beyond. Jack Kiley provided a detailed update on new tax laws, retirement plan adjustments, and strategies investors should consider before year end....

New Itemized Deduction Limitation Will Affect High Income Individuals Next Year

Nov 18, 2025 | Blog, Tax Bites

Beginning in 2026, taxpayers in the top federal income tax bracket will see their itemized deductions reduced. If you’re at risk, there are steps you can take before the end of 2025 to help mitigate the negative impact. The New Limitation Up Close Before the Tax Cuts...

How Self Directed Investors Think Differently About Their IRAs

Nov 15, 2025 | Blog, Self-Directed IRA Investing

Most people view their IRA as a passive account. Money goes in every year. Mutual funds move up and down. The balance grows or shrinks with the markets and everything feels outside your control. Self directed investors take a completely different approach. They see...

Shift Income To Take Advantage of The 0% Long-Term Capital Gains Rate

Nov 11, 2025 | Tax Bites

Are you thinking about making financial gifts to loved ones? Would you also like to reduce your capital gains tax? If so, consider giving appreciated stock instead of cash. You might be able to eliminate all federal tax liability on the appreciation — or at least...

How Self Directed Investors Turn Their IRAs into Tools for Growth

Nov 8, 2025 | Blog

Most people think of their IRA as a passive account. A place where money is parked until retirement, moving up and down with the stock market. But for self directed investors, an IRA is far more than a static savings vehicle. It’s a strategic tool. One that can...

How The Social Security Wage Base Will Affect Your Payroll Taxes in 2026

Nov 4, 2025 | Blog, Tax Bites

The 2026 Social Security wage base has been released. What’s the tax impact on employees and the self-employed? Let’s take a look. FICA tax 101 The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) imposes two payroll taxes on wages and self-employment income — one for...